Attacks in China and Japan raise concerns about xenophobia in both countries
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South China Morning Post
11 minutes ago
- South China Morning Post
How fear became a tool of manipulation, not just in Hong Kong
Fear is a powerful emotion with a profound capacity to influence not only individual choices but also the direction of national and global policies. In today's polarised world, fear is no longer just a spontaneous reaction; it has become a deliberately used tool to influence public opinion, guide behaviour and shape narratives. This intentional use of fear has wide-reaching consequences, such as subtle changes to societal perceptions. From headlines warning of conflict over Taiwan to data privacy advocates recommending the use of burner phones when visiting the US, fear has significantly influenced how we respond to uncertainty. The 2019 protests in Hong Kong, for example, were triggered by opposition spreading fear about the proposed extradition law. Critics argued that the law would allow authorities to arrest anyone they wished, even extraditing them to mainland China. This fear sparked widespread distrust, with many believing the law would undermine Hong Kong's autonomy and judicial independence. These concerns were heightened by constant media coverage and social media echo chambers, which mobilised millions and deepened the public's mistrust of government motives. Many foreign media outlets, often adopting a sensationalist tone, speculated on the broader implications of these events. Meanwhile, social media platforms allowed for a distortion of perceptions by fostering insular environments where users primarily encountered content that reinforced their fears. This cycle of fear has eroded trust and undermined rational discourse. Western companies reportedly responded to these fears by advising executives to use burner phones when visiting Hong Kong. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence suggesting the need for such measures, perceived risks alone shifted travel behaviour and deterred people from visiting the city. This shows how fear, even when unsupported by factual evidence, shapes decisions and disrupts normalcy. Ironically, concerns about privacy and government oversight are now impacting the United States, with reports of border officials searching electronic devices and scrutinising inbound travellers' social media profiles. Additionally, Immigration and Customs Enforcement 's targeting of undocumented immigrants has created a climate of fear that disproportionately affects ethnic minorities and immigrants, fostering insecurity instead of trust.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Fake Hermes, Chanel, LV and Gucci goods seized in HK$44 million Hong Kong bust
Hong Kong customs has seized a haul of counterfeit luxury goods worth an estimated HK$44 million (US$5.6 million), including fake Hermes and Chanel handbags and Louis Vuitton and Gucci shoes, which were destined for US and European markets, among others. Advertisement The Customs and Excise Department said on Thursday that its officers detected 25 cases and confiscated about 67,000 counterfeit items in a joint operation with mainland Chinese and Macau counterparts from July 18 to 31. The seized goods included a variety of bogus products, such as Hermes and Chanel bags, Louis Vuitton and Gucci footwear, Rolex and Patek Philippe watches and sports jerseys. The department said it uncovered 19 of the cases at local express courier and logistics companies through intelligence analysis and in-depth investigations. Fake luxury watches were among the 67,000 items Photo: Dickson Lee Officers also intercepted a 40-foot container that was being transshipped through Hong Kong at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal, where they discovered a batch of suspected fake goods.
South China Morning Post
2 hours ago
- South China Morning Post
Chinese influencer in Thailand shares trafficker-taken photos online to find birth family
A Chinese online influencer based in Thailand has told how she was trafficked when she was a little girl and now hopes to find her biological family. The woman in her early 20s, who is known as Aurora online, has 5 million followers on social media. She has also been dubbed 'Sister Toufu' because of a viral video showing her buying the food, Jiupai News reported. Her videos are usually about her life studying in Thailand, travelling across the country and trying Thai food. Influencer Aurora usually posts online content about her travels around Thailand. Photo: handout On June 30, however, Aurora released a sad video in which she told of her kidnap ordeal.
